MARCH ‘21
A. Adrian Zecha, founder of Aman, collaborated with Japanese hospitality group Naru Developments to create Azumi, a new hotel brand that will marry the concept of traditional Japanese ryokans with modern, global elements. The first Azumi property, Setoda, opened its doors March 1st on an island in the Seto Inland Sea. Kyoto based architect Shiro Miura has been working on the designs for years to find the perfect balance between tradition and innovation. Take a peak into the simple yet refined digs.
B. The first One&Only to open in Europe, O&O Portonovi welcomes guests on May 1st on Montenegro's jaw-droppingly beautiful Bay of Kotor. The guest rooms have been designed to offer an abundance of luxury, with floor to ceiling windows, fireplaces and expansive bathrooms. Montenegro is open for international travelers, so if you’re looking to spend your days sailing, relaxing on white-sand beaches, and detoxing in the hotel’s medical-forward Chenot Espace spa, Portonovi awaits you.
C. On April 1st, Kisawa Sanctuary will welcome their first guests on Mozambique’s pristine Benguerra Island. The property is made up of 12 one, two and three bedroom bungalows (plus the Kisawa Residence), each situated within its own one-acre plot of land that is decked with a private pool, outdoor kitchen and massage hut. The resort amenities include a beach club, sand clay tennis courts, multiple restaurants and bars, a traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic spa, a water sports center, a gym, and a yoga and meditation pavilion. Best of all, the property is focused on environmental conservation. The build out incorporated 3D printing technology which created mortar (comprised of the island’s sand and seawater) for building as well as sand coral reefs and marine habitats for the property’s non-profit organization.
D. Still on the fence about booking an upcoming trip amid the pandemic? We're now working with COVAC to make you feel more at ease when traveling. As a COVAC member, should you test positive with COVID while traveling and have at least one symptom, COVAC will arrange for medical transportation back to your home country at no expense.
E. With Greece planning its imminent international reopening, we recommend hurrying quick to snag a room at the new Kalesma Mykonos. The boutique hotel, which opens its doors May 20th, is located on the serene hillside of Aleomandra, two miles from town, and features only 25-suites and two villas, all with their own private swimming pools. The Kalesma team is behind some of Athen’s top restaurants, so the hotel’s dining experiences are sure to please. Think family-style dinners spread across the property’s 5 acres, plus freshly baked horiatiko bread every morning. Sign us up.
F. San Francisco’s two-starred Michelin restaurant Californios had shut its doors amid the pandemic, but has finally reopened in bigger digs which features a 1,700 square patio. For chef Val Cantu’s brilliant (and lengthy!) tasting menu of elevated Mexican cuisine, reserve a table on their website now (if you can still find any available!).
G. From March 22 to August 1st, Alice Neel: People Come First is on view at The Met in New York City. One of the greatest portrait artists of the 20th century, Neel painted lovers, activists, cabaret singers, artists, and others she came across on the streets of her beloved NYC hometown. Distorting faces and reimagining colors, she candidly exposed the inner workings behind each subject’s physical appearance. This exhibit will be Neel's first museum retrospective in New York in twenty years.
H. Itching for a little wine escape? Head to Sonoma’s Farmhouse Inn now through August 31st and get your 4th night free. For a little fun in the sun, head down to Four Seasons Costa Rica and get your 4th night free now through December 24th. In Mexico, enjoy a 4th night free at the new One&Only Mandarina now through December 18th or a 6th and 7th night night free at Cabo’s Esperanza now through December 17th. St. Regis Punta Mita is also offering $200 and 300 off 5 and 7 night stays now through December 15th. Hoping to visit France this summer? Get your 4th night free both at Paris’s Le Bristol (through December 29th) and Provence’s Villa La Coste (through August 31st, book before April 30th). For an island escape, visit St. Regis Bora Bora and get your 5th night free and half board (through March 31st, 2022) or hop over to Maldive’s One&Only Reethi Rah to save 25-30% off bookings of 4+ nights (through December 17th). Restrictions may apply.